How and Why to Create a Memory Box for a Massachusetts Loved One with Alzheimer’s

MemoryBoxAs Alzheimer’s disease begins to rob a senior loved one of their precious memories, families sometimes struggle to find ways to keep them feeling connected. One such way is by creating a memory box that you fill with mementos and treasures that are of importance to them.

Why create an Alzheimer’s Memory Box?

A memory box can be a great way to help an aging loved one with dementia maintain their sense of identity and feelings of belonging. As their disease progresses, it becomes increasingly difficult to remember names, faces, places, and more. Having a box of treasures they can easily access and go through is one way to help connect with them with their past. 

Memory boxes are also a great tool for family and friends to use to start conversations with them when they are visiting. They can share what they remember about the photos and other items in the box with your loved one even if they are no longer able to verbally communicate themselves. 

Creating an Alzheimer’s Memory Box for a Loved One 

Putting together a memory box will likely take some time. Here are a few suggestions to help make it easier to get started:

  • Begin by going through old photos, letters, and boxes of your loved one’s memorabilia. If they are able to help, this can be a great project to do together.
  • Gather the items you know they hold dear. It might be that you use some of the items now and save some to trade out in the memory box later.
  • Once you have an idea on what you want to put in your memory box, it will make it easier to find a container to keep them in.
  • Think about buying something that is durable and easy for your loved one to access on their own. 

Items to consider for their box might be:

  • Art projects their children or grandchildren made that they recognize and remember.
  • Digitally reproduced copies of photos from important family milestones like weddings, first day of school, first car, and more.
  • Mementos from their job or volunteer work.
  • Souvenirs and postcards from family vacations.
  • Cards and letters they’ve received over the years that are important to them.
  • Small books, cookbooks, or favorite recipes.
  • Try to avoid including objects with sharp edges or things they might mistake for food and try to eat.

Remember, the objective of putting together a memory box is to help them recall favorite events and loved ones. Take your time finding the right items for it so you can create a meaningful experience for them.

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